Method and a system for teaching and guiding an individual in changing the lifestyle and a method and system for treating an individual

ABSTRACT

A method and a system for teaching and guiding an individual and changing the lifestyle and in building up a health or healthier behaviour includes the step of making a basic assessment of the individual and of defining at least one program to which the individual should attend on the basis of this assessment. The program includes at least teaching, guiding and actively involving the individual and individually gathering personal objective information represented by at least one health indicator. The individual is taught in accordance with a specific learning program in view of understanding a relationship between the objective information and a phenomenon or symptom caused by pathology or functional deficiency. The individual is further taught and guided to understand the effect of specific behaviour and lifestyle on the pathology or functional deficiency. Finally, actions are identified to be taken for changing the lifestyle and for building up a healthier behaviour in view of reducing health problems or health risks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method and a system for teaching and guidingan individual in changing the lifestyle and to a method and a system fortreating an individual.

Health care systems in most industrialised countries are in an urgentneed for reforming. Costs for health care systems are continuouslyincreasing. In parallel, health problems of societies are increasingrather than decreasing despite highly sophisticated medical systems.

Mood disorder, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and asthma caused49% of U.S.A.'s health care expenses in 1996. According to U.S.A. CDChealth people 2000 midcourse review, the determining factor of healthrelated to lifestyle is 47%, related to environmental issues is 17% andto genetic issues is 25%. The contribution from medical services is only11%. There is thus a major trend of lifestyle chronic diseases caused byimproper lifestyle and living environment in the industrial countries.

One known effective possibility for improving the health care system anddecreasing the costs is to change the lifestyle and improper healthbehaviour of each individual. A concept for changing health behaviourhas been proposed by Girdano and Dusec (Daniel A. Girdano, Dorothy A.Dusec, “Changing health behaviour”, 1988, ISBN 0-89787-607-5). Whilethis concept generally addresses change of health behaviour, nowadays,there are still no effective systems available for change of lifestyleand improper health behaviour.

Ulwick et al (Anthony W. Ulwick, Clayton M. Christensen, Jerome H.Grossmann, “A prescription for health care cost reform”, Strategy andInnovation, And newsletter from Harvard Business School Publishing andInnosight) discloses opportunities for giving consumers what the UnitedStates Health Care System does not do. A disruption of the Health CareIndustries is proposed on the basis of providing general practitionerswith a tool to treat maladies which previously required the interventionof highly trained surgeons or specialists, enabling nurses or physicianassistants to perform activities in outpatient centres that arecurrently performed by hospital doctors or also by creating inexpensiveproducts and services that enable individuals with less specializedtraining to accomplish tasks inexpensively and in a more convenientsetting. Consumers could buy such services or products or learn tomanage their health on their own.

Herzlinger (Regina E. Herzlinger, “Lets put consumers in charge ofhealth care”, Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation Product no.1415) deals with fragmentation of health care and suggests care teamsfor patients who need integrated coverage.

While these known articles provide theoretical solutions for improvingthe health system, currently no practical systems and methods areavailable which focus on the unmet patient's and consumer's needs.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a methodand system which effectively allow individuals to have a better andhealthier lifestyle and which help to reduce the cost and increase theeffectiveness of the health care system. A method and system accordingto a further aspect of the invention should help to treat ill patientsin a more integrated, convenient setting and help them to avoid costlyinteractions with the traditional health care system. The system andmethod according to the invention will eventually reduce the health carecost in most of the modern societies. According to a further aspect, thesystem and method shall also provide prevention against illnesses.

According to the present invention, these and other objects are solvedwith a method and a system according to the independent patent claims.

Starting from the above mentioned background of the invention, oneimportant aspect of the invention are products and services that placethe responsibility of health management and self care back into thehands of the consumers and empower them to take this responsibility.

According to the first aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of teaching and guiding an individual in changing his or herlifestyle. The method is used to build up a healthy or healthierbehaviour of the individual. According to the method of the invention,in a first step a basic assessment of the individual is made. Duringthis assessment, specific lifestyle health problems or potential healthrisks of the individual are defined. The term of health problems orpotential health risks includes specific health problems the individualis aware of, potential health risks the individual is aware of but alsoproblems or health risks which may be unknown to the individual butwhich may cause a certain risk for the individual to develop healthproblems at a later stage. This basic assessment, a so called primaryprevention screening, can be done in any easily accessible place, e.g.at the work place, a community based outpatient clinic or setting butalso e.g. in a Drug Store. It can be operated by a general practitioner(GP). Such place may also be operated by a physician assistant or aprofessional nurse supervised by a general practitioner to reduce theoperation cost.

In answer to this basic assessment, at least one program is defined towhich the individual should attend. Depending on the defined healthproblems or health risks, one or a plurality of teaching and/or learningprograms are provided to the individual.

Each of said programs includes teaching, guiding and actively involvingthe individual in individually gathering personal objective informationrepresented by at least one health indicator. In particular, this is ahealth indicator which relates to the lifestyle health problem orpotential health risks which have been identified during the basicassessment. By teaching, guiding and especially by actively involvingthe individual in gathering objective information, the knowledge and theawareness related to the specific lifestyle health problems areincreased and the willingness of the individual to get deeply involvedinto the program is increased. In a further step, the individual istaught in accordance with a specific learning program in view ofunderstanding a relationship between the objective information which hasbeen previously gathered and a phenomenon or a symptom caused bypathology or by a functional deficiency in context with the healthproblem or the health risk. By this teaching step, the individual isgiven a tool to set a specific health problem or risk in context withthe objective information previously gathered.

In a further step, the individual is taught and guided in view ofunderstanding the effect of a specific behaviour or a specific lifestyleon the pathology or functional deficiency in context with the healthproblem or the health risk. By this step, the individual begins tounderstand that by changing a specific behaviour or lifestyle, theindividual can influence a pathological situation or a functionaldeficiency.

In a further step, a realistic goal to be achieved by the individual atthe end of the program under the support of the coach is set.

In a final step, the individual is guided and taught to identifyspecific actions and how to carry out these actions which can be takenin view of improving the health, reducing health problems or reducinghealth risks, in particular by changing the lifestyle or building up ahealthy or healthier behaviour.

Conventional diagnosis and treatment done by a doctor or other healthcare professional is based on so-called SOAP notes. SOAP stands forSubjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan/Prescription. The initialportion of a SOAP note consists of subjective information verballyexpressed by the patient. The next part of the notes includes objectiveobservations. These observations include symptoms which can be measuredor seen. Included in objective observations are also medical parameterssuch as temperature, pulse, respiration and the results of specificdiagnostic tests. The objective observation is followed by assessment.Assessment is the diagnosis of the patient's condition. The last part ofthe SOAP note is a Plan or Prescription. The plan may include furthertests, medication, treatments, education and referral of a patient.

The whole process may last from a few minutes to an hour in mostoutpatient settings. The involvement from the patient side is very low.In addition to this, due to the intrinsic characteristics of most of thelifestyle health problems like precondition of hypertension anddiabetes, unless in the severe or complex stage, the threat of thedisease to the patient's daily life is not critical. Thus compliancewith the medication or education prescription is generally low and theresults are poor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on the concept, that the individual isactively involved not only in the subjective step, but also in thesubsequent O, A and P steps, except in the basic assessment. Byinvolving the individual deeply in the overall process, the individual'sknowledge and awareness of the health problems and counter solutions andthe individual's willingness to comply with a plan is increased. Such aplan may include which medication shall be taken, how to take themedication or a change of the lifestyle. The whole strategy aboutactions and the reasons for these actions are revealed to theindividual. The individual understands the causes for health problems orhealth risks (know why), and is actively involved in taking measures(know how), in order to improve the situation. At the end of the programthe individual has all of the knowledge, responsibility and tool tocontrol and manage his own health.

In the step of defining actions, the individual may be taught in view ofunderstanding short to medium term actions to be taken to relievesymptoms caused by said pathology or functional deficiency. The shortmedium term actions are developed according to evidence based clinicalguidelines. This step including taking actions will increase theconfidence, value and good feeling to the individual.

The step of defining actions may further include guiding and teachingthe individual to identify actions in view of a long term plan forimproving the health or reducing health problems or risks.

As mentioned in context with the background of the invention, lifestyle,environment and gene represent 89% of the determining factor for health.Each individual should completely know that his health status maygradually degrade from healthy to a precondition to develop a diseaseand finally develop into disease. Thus it is important to develop a setof health indicators to show the individual's actual location for anindividual who seeks to thoroughly manage his or her own health. Inparticular this can be done by defining a location in three differenthealth status'.

The health indicator which represents personal objective informationtypically may be a lag pathology or disease indicator, a leadingfunctional deficiency indicator or a pre-deposition indicator. Apre-deposition indicator typically may be e.g. a genetic indicatorindicating that there is a certain risk for the individual to sufferfrom a disease or another health problem. A leading functionaldeficiency indicator typically is an indicator which shows that theindividual has a certain functional deficiency which may lead to futurehealth problems although currently there is no specific health problem.A lag pathology or disease indicator typically indicates an occurredpathological situation of the individual.

These indicators are learning contents in the above mentioned programs.The individual should be aware thereof and control his or her own healthand adopt appropriate counter measures in advance.

The program to which the individual should attend further may alsoinclude the step of teaching and guiding the individual in accordancewith a learning program in view of understanding that a determiningfactor of health is at least one physiological process in interactionwith the living environment and gene through specific individual'sbehaviour. Such a process typically may be selected from the group of afood intake and metabolism process, a Psycho-Neuro-Immuno process and abiophysical muscle skeleton process. The inventors of the presentinvention have found that by analysing the relationship between thesethree processes and the chronic diseases of modern society, almost allmajor health problems caused by improper lifestyle and behaviour may beproperly addressed by the treatment proposed in this invention. Asmentioned above, these physiological processes are in interaction withthe living environment of the individual and eventually induce certainhealth problems based on the genetic predisposition. During the longdevelopment phase of almost all of the chronic diseases, at least aspecific improper behaviour or lifestyle is a key mediator or triggerfor such a disease development process.

The method according to the present invention further may also include atreatment step. Especially in case of individuals having a healthproblem or having a specific health risk, improving the health orreducing the health risk of the individual may be appropriate. Accordingto this embodiment of the invention, a choice of treatment in a specificfacility is made. This facility is selected from a facility specialisedin treatment of a specific class of complex health problems, a facilityfor improving the individual's health, in particular by means of aholistic treatment and a facility for guiding and teaching theindividual to change his/her lifestyle and build up a healthierbehaviour. This choice or selection is typically made on the basis ofthe result of the basic assessment. A choice may also be made followingthe steps of gathering the objective information or following anassessment during the period when the individual attends the program. Ifin the basic or in a following assessment, it is determined that theindividual has a serious health problem, a treatment in a facilityspecialised in treatment of complex health problems may be necessary.

If no severe health problem is found in the basic or followingassessment but if there are certain chronic clinical preconditions, aholistic treatment in a specialised facility in view of improving theindividual's health is considered to be appropriate.

If no complex chronic health problems or chronic clinical preconditionbut certain genetic predisposition or certain improper lifestyle arefound in the assessment or assessments, it will be sufficient to guideand teach the individual to change his/her lifestyle in view of buildingup a healthier behaviour and specifically to reduce the risk caused bythe certain genetic predisposition.

In particular, during these assessments, the individual also may beclassified in one of a plurality of health categories. Typically, thecategories are the category (1) healthy, (2) a chronic precondition or agenetic predisposition for developing a health problem or a health riskand (3) of a complex chronic condition. Depending on thisclassification, different treatments may be necessary or appropriate.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the methodalso includes a step of remote monitoring or following-up at least onehealth parameter of the individual. Remote monitoring compliance of theindividual with a specified program, e.g. an exercise schedule or amedication schedule may also be possible. This further step allows forverification whether the method was successful for the individual andwhether the individual continuously has changed his/her lifestyle or hascomplied with the program.

The teaching and guiding program may include a plurality of differentsubjects or class rooms. These subjects may also be selected on thebasis of the basic assessment. Subjects typically are selected from thegroup of the subject of environmental influence on the health, geneticpredisposition for a health risk, food intake and metabolism, physicaland body knowledge, mind-body interaction and medication knowledge. Ithas been found that these subjects are especially important in view ofteaching a individual to change his/her lifestyle and to empowerindividuals for self caring themselves.

The program which deals with the environmental influence on the healthmay e.g. contain information about specific toxic products which may bepresent in the environment or to the way and knowledge to avoid suchtoxic products.

The program directed to genetic predisposition for a health risk mayinclude gathering and understanding genetic information from theindividual and increasing the individual's awareness in view of a riskof suffering from a specific disease and the way and knowledge to avoidsuch disease by adopting certain measures in the individual's dailylife.

The subject relating to food intake and metabolism especially shall showthe individual how and why a change in diet nutrition or taking certainnutrition supplements that can have positive effects to his/her health.

The subject of physical and body knowledge deals with individualizedproblems or potential problems in the joint, muscle, bone or skeleton.The individual typically learns to use correct posture of the body indaily life. Knowledge and skills are practised and the individual learnsto make exercises in a right way and at a correct frequency.

The subject of mind-body interaction teaches the individual in contextwith the influence of mental well being or physical well being. Theknowledge and skill to have a clear and focused mind or a sharp memoryand ways to be free of stress are taught.

Medication knowledge is important for the individual in view ofunderstanding the reason and also the function of certain medicationwhich is prescribed. Medication may be prescribed in view of certainshort to medium actions dealing with health problems which aredetermined in the basic assessment or following the steps of gatheringobjective information and following an assessment during the period theindividual attends the program.

The program typically is selected form the group of a prevention programand an improvement program in view of a chronic lifestyle condition.

Typically, such chronic lifestyle conditions may be cerebralcardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, overweight and obesity,maldigestion, malabsorption and deficiency of liver detoxification.These problems typically are related to the physiological process offood intake and metabolism.

The program also may be directed to health problems such as depression,alzheimer, allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, cancer and hormoneimbalance. These health problems basically are related to thephysiological process of the Psycho-Neuro-Immuno system and/or thehormone process.

The program may also be directed to scoliosis, chronic back pain andpoor fitness, poor muscle tone or poor joint flexibility. These problemsare related to the physiological process of the physical structure andbone structure.

The programs for teaching the individual further may also includeself-care programs in view of chronic fatigue, stress, anaemia,menstrual cramp, cold, headache, insomnia, abdominal discomfort, adrenalfatigue, bone loss or menopause problems.

The teaching program may be primarily designed in view of understandingat least one process which selected from the group of the process offlow of nutrient, the neuro signal in the autonomic nervous system, thehormone process or the process of mechanical force and the interactionbetween these processes. The individual thereby shall be provided with asystematic and comprehensive understanding and with the knowledge of thefunction of the human organism in order to allow self care diseaseprevention, management and improvement.

The program may be further designed in view of increasing theindividual's awareness of the relationship which may exist between asymptom which is present in the daily life and the lifestyle of theindividual. Thereby, the individual's capacity for self-care diseaseprevention and health management shall be increased.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, short term measuresin view of immediate relief from specific health problems may beprescribed to the individual depending on the result of the assessments.This is especially important for individuals who suffer from specificsevere or acute health problems.

In the course of the program, it is furthermore preferable to providethe individual with teaching material, in particular with at least onebook directed to the program. The book may include information in viewof a specific health problem or health risk. The book is designed to becompleted with personal data individually by the individual. Because theindividual is personally in charge of reading and understanding the bookand to complete the book with personal data, the individual'swillingness and readiness to change his/her lifestyle and improperhealth behaviour is increased.

In particular, personal data which is to be entered into the book mayinclude the personal objective information which is individuallygathered by the individual in accordance with the present invention.

The book may also include information to the individual in view ofso-called trial behaviour and skill development. Once the individual hasa certain awareness that a change of lifestyle may be necessary, he/sheneeds to try how a change in lifestyle feels in a trial phase. In thiscontext, it is also important to develop skills for changing an improperlifestyle. This basic concept is described in theory in more detail byGirdano and Dusec.

According to still a further preferred embodiment, the book may alsoinclude information and procedures in view of assuring that theknowledge and the information contained in the book are read andunderstood and are used properly by the individual. Typically, this mayinclude test questions to be answered or certain trial behaviour andskill to be practiced and demonstrated or check lists to be completed bythe individual.

In addition or as an alternative to a book, it is also possible toprovide an electronic interactive book. This book may includeinformation in relation to the program. Furthermore, the book may bedesigned for interaction with the individual. Thereby, entry of personaldata into a memory of the book is possible. In particular, such personaldata may also include the personal objective information which has beenpreviously gathered. If such an electronic book is used, there is also apossibility of data processing of said data. Furthermore, it is alsopossible to directly link such an electronic book with measuring devicesfor measuring medical parameters such as blood pressure monitors,glucose monitors or the like.

It is also conceivable to extend such an electronic book with acommunication capability, e.g. a bidirectional communication, such as toform a personal terminal for remote monitoring or for a follow upsystem. Such a terminal may further increase the compliance to a programsuch as a medication schedule or behaviour change schedule for theindividual who attends the program.

In context with the present invention it is also possible to provide theindividual with information and demonstration in context with trialbehaviour and development of skills in the electronic book, e.g. also byshowing pictures or videos of proper behaviour.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least aprofessional coach or teacher is available to answer the questions orclarify the misunderstanding which the individual may raise during theprogram.

In combination with a procedure for assuring that the information areread and understood, a new behaviour and skill may be practiced by ordemonstrated in a proper way to the individual. Thereby, good results ofthe method according to the present invention are achieved.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided aninformation technology platform. This platform is used foradministration of an organisation which carries out the method accordingto the present invention. In particular, such a platform may be used foroperating, e.g. continuously maintaining or developing a programdatabase or for maintaining or updating an individual database. Theplatform may also be used for bookkeeping or for making appointmentswith a plurality of individuals. In particular, it is useful to havesuch a platform if the method is carried out at a plurality oflocations, e.g. in a franchise system. In this context, a centralisedinformation technology platform may also provide up to date informationincluding the medical or health records to teachers or coaches.

It is also preferable to provide a learning platform for teachingguides, coaches, teachers or care persons to carry out the methodaccording to the present invention. Such a learning platform can bepartially made electronically by means of E-learning. Other platformsare, however, conceivable.

According to still a further embodiment of the invention, the methodcomprises a further step of defining and operating a reward program forthe individual. The individual is provided with a reward if apredetermined individual goal has been achieved by the individual. Onemajor problem in context with programs for changing lifestyle orimproper health behaviour of individuals is a lack of motivation of theindividual. The present invention primarily addresses this problem byactively involving the individual. Furthermore, the motivation of theindividual may be increased, if certain rewards are granted. Rewardstypically might be monetary rewards or vouchers for institutionssupporting the change of lifestyle such as fitness studios or wellnessfacilities. A permission to charge the attending fee for the programfrom the tax free Health Saving account (HSA) is another alternative forincreasing the motivation. According to another preferred embodiment,the reward may also be a share or stock option of an organisation whichcarries out the method according to the present invention. Such a rewardprogram may have a leverage effect. If the individual becomes ashareholder in such an organisation he or she will get a personalinterest in the organisation. The motivation to continue to attendprograms proposed by the organisation is thus increased. Furthermore,such a reward may also be an incentive to the individual to motivatefriends to attend to such programs.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided asystem for teaching and guiding an individual to change the lifestyleand to build up a healthy or healthier behaviour.

A major component of this system is at least one program to which theindividual should attend. The program includes means for teaching,guiding and actively involving the individual in individually gatheringobjective information represented by at least one health indicatorrelating to the health problem or to a potential health risk. The systemfurthermore comprises means for teaching the individual in accordancewith a specific learning program. The learning program is directed tounderstand the relationship between symptoms which are caused bypathology or by a functional deficiency in context with the healthproblem or with a potential health risk on the one hand and saidobjective information on the other hand.

This system furthermore includes means for teaching and guiding theindividual to understand the effect of a specific behaviour or lifestyleon the pathology or functional deficiency. The individual shallunderstand that the specific behaviour or lifestyle may influencepathology or a functional deficiency in context with the health problemor the health risk. This system also includes means for guiding andteaching the individual to identify actions to be taken for changing thebehaviour in view of reducing health problems or health risks.

Typically, this system is used for operating a method as outlined above.Appropriate means for carrying out such a method are provided.

This system furthermore may comprise one or more facilities. Inparticular, these may be facilities which are specialised in treatmentof a specific class of complex chronic conditions, facilities forimproving the individual's inner or self-healing power by means of aholistic treatment and also facilities for teaching the individual tochange his or her lifestyle and to build up a healthy or healthierbehaviour. By providing such facilities, individuals with differenttypes of health condition can be appropriately treated.

Part of this system may also be means for remote monitoring orfollowing-up health parameters of the individual or compliance of theindividual with certain programs. While such remote monitoring means assuch are known in the art, they may be particularly advantageous incontext with a system according to the present invention.

The means for teaching or guiding typically are selected from the groupof written or electronic books. Such electronic books typically may beprovided with a wire or wireless link to medical parameter measuringdevices such as e.g. blood pressure monitors, weight scales, glucosemonitors or the like. It is also possible to provide such an electronicbook with e.g. bi-directional communication capabilities such as to forma personal terminal for remote monitoring or following up to enhance thecompliance of the individual with prescribed medication or exerciseschedules.

The method and system further may comprise at least one device forrecording and storing data, in particular multimedia data such a sound,pictures or video. Such a device can be adapted for direct or indirectconnection with a personal electronic device used by the individual,e.g. an electronic book as described hereinabove.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodfor treatment of an individual. In context with this specification,treatment is to be understood not only in the classical term oftreatment of a specific disease. In particular it may be a treatmentdirected to healing a patient but also a treatment in view of preventionagainst health risk or in view of improving the health of theindividual.

In a first step, an assessment of the individual for defining at leastone health problem or health risk is made. When this health problem orhealth risk is defined, the individual is classified in a class ofproblems which are primarily related to at least one specificphysiological process. Differentiation between the processes of foodintake and metabolism, the Pyscho-Neuro-Immuno process and a biophysicalprocess is made. The term “biophysical process” relates to processeswhich are in context with the physical aspects of the body, e.g. joints,bones, muscles.

The individual is then treated in a facility which is specialised fortreatment of health problems or health risks lying in this class ofproblems. The focus of the method according to the present invention isthus physiological process and patient centric. Treatment is not made inview of symptoms or in view of treatment of specific parts of the bodybut rather in view treating the individual as a whole by analysing andtreating said specific process or processes.

During the assessment, the individual further may be classified into acategory relating to the severity of the health problem or health risk.In particular, the individual is classified in a category which isselected from one of the following categories: (1) a healthy condition,(2) a chronic precondition or a predisposition for developing healthproblem or a health risk and (3) a complex chronic condition. Dependingon this category, different treatments may be helpful or necessary.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, improvingthe health is made by increasing an inner healing power of theindividual. Treatment of a pathological situation is made through amedical procedure or through medication. This treatment may be followedby improving the healing power of the individual as mentioned above.

A further aspect of the invention refers to a system for treatment of anindividual, in particular for carrying out the above-mentioned method.This system comprises at least one facility for treatment of healthproblems or health risks. The facility is specialised for treatment of aclass of problems which are related to at least one specificphysiological process. The process is selected from the group of foodintake and metabolism process, a Psycho-Neuro-Immuno process and abiophysical process.

While depending on the circumstances, these facilities may be located atdifferent places such that the individual is referred to one or anotherplace depending on the basic assessment, it is also conceivable,however, to combine these facilities in one and the same location.

According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod for treating an individual where in a first step an assessment ofthe individual in view of defining one health problem or health risk ismade. Depending on the result of the assessment, a treatment in aspecific facility is chosen. This facility may be a facility specialisedin healing a specific class of health problems, a facility for improvingthe individual's health by means a holistic treatment and a facility forteaching and guiding the individual to change his/her lifestyle and tobuild up a healthy or healthier behaviour.

The method which is carried out in a facility for teaching and guidingthe individual is typically a method as described herein above.

In accordance with this aspect of the invention, there is also provideda system for treating an individual which comprises a facilityspecialised in treatment of a specific class of health problem, afacility for improving the individual's inner healing power, inparticular by means of a holistic treatment and a facility for teachingthe individual to change his or her lifestyle or behaviour.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is explained in more detail below in exemplary embodimentsand with reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a flow chart of a schematic overview of one aspect of thepresent invention,

FIG. 2 schematically shows by way of example a relation between theetiology and the progress of heart disease and stroke and risk factors,

FIG. 3 schematically shows by way of example a relation between etiologyand the progress of heart disease and stroke and risk factors andlifestyle,

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram showing processes and causes leading tohypertension,

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart for operating a method according to thepresent invention,

FIG. 6 shows a more detailed service flow chart for operating a systemaccording to the present invention,

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of an electronic interactive book,

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an electronic interactive book,

FIG. 9 shows an overview of a treatment system according to the presentinvention and possible treatments,

FIG. 10 shows different health status and a health status Progress,

FIG. 11 schematically shows three basic physiological processes,

FIG. 12 schematically shows a structure for operating a reward program,

FIG. 13 schematically shows an IT platform for running the method andsystem according to the present invention,

FIG. 14 schematically shows a remote monitoring system and

FIG. 15 shows an example of a skill learning tool.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

A method of the present invention according to one aspect is based onpersonally, individually involving the individual in a modified SOAPprocedure.

The modified SOAP procedure is shown in the flow chart of FIG. 1. Aftera basic assessment, one specific program is selected to which theindividual shall enrol. The individual then proceeds with a modifiedSOAP procedure. In the first step, subjective symptoms or complaints arefirst revealed and recorded by the individual in the so-called S step.In a further step, direct causes or reasons causing these symptoms areanalysed and the functional status of the individual is evaluated, e.g.by means of tests. In accordance with the invention, these objectivesteps O are made with the participation of the individual byindividually gathering objective information. In particular, theindividual is taught how to make measurements, e.g. of physicalparameters such as the blood pressure and is guided and coached duringthe analysis process. In the assessment steps A the individual is taughtto correlate a symptom or complaint with the objective information.

In a prescription step P1 the individual is further guided in view ofproviding a short to medium term solution in view of immediate relief ofhealth problems on the basis of test results. In a prescription step P2the etiology and pathology and the progress of a disease is taught. Thisstep includes teaching the effect of improper lifestyle, behaviour orgenetic or environmental influences. In a step P3 personal goals areset. In a final step P4, long term strategies in view of change oflifestyle are taught and learned by the individual.

By way of example, the following examples indicate the differencesbetween traditional methods and a method according to the presentinvention seen from the individual's perspective by way of example incontext with hypertension. Traditionally, during the subjective steps,individuals do self reports of all possible symptoms or complaintswithout much knowledge about diseases or the function of the body, e.g.about hypertension or clinical conditions caused by hypertension.According to the invention, individuals are made reading an example casewhich illustrates possible symptoms for hypertension or clinicalconditions caused by hypertension. Individuals can better note symptomswhich they did not know previously. Background knowledge will be builtup at this point in time.

During the traditional objective phase O, patients may stay in anexamination room waiting for a nurse to take the blood pressure.Patients usually don't know the mechanism of blood pressure and inparticular they do not know how to correctly measure individually theblood pressure. According to the present invention, the objective phaseO involves the coach demonstrating how a blood pressure monitor isoperated, and the standard operation procedure to take the bloodpressure correctly. The basic mechanism of the blood pressure monitor isexplained. It is made sure, that patients can correctly operate a bloodpressure monitor at home. Individuals can relate knowledge learnt duringthis stage with knowledge which they previously learned during thesubjective phase. A neural network starts to emerge in the individual'smind.

Traditionally, during the assessment A, a doctor gives the individual adiagnosis without explaining the cause of e.g. hypertension. Accordingto the invention, the doctor or the professional coach gives theindividuals a diagnosis and also reveals the reasons behind suchdiagnosis. The individual is educated about basic pathology ofhypertension. Individuals may also be given a general, simplifiedoverview of hypertension. Typically, this overview may include reasonsand root causes for hypertension, related symptoms and improvement,prevention of hypertension. Individuals then have a more completeknowledge in view of hypertension (see also FIG. 4).

In the traditional prescription P step, drugs for patients may beprescribed. There is usually no explanation, why this kind of drugs isprescribed. Patients traditionally are forced to follow blindly a drugsolution. This is one of the major reasons why the compliance withmedication programs usually is low. According to the invention, thedoctor or the professional coach explains possible long and short termsolutions. The individuals together with a coach work out solutionswhich are suitable for them. Before the solution which usually includesa lifestyle change is implemented, a goal to be achieved is set.According to the invention, the individual will be inspired and given ahope that other options are available besides taking drugs for the restof his or her life.

Furthermore medium to long term solutions in view of a holistictreatment and better behaviour are learned. During the program theindividual starts to understand his/her pathology and to understand howchanges in the lifestyle can influence pathological problems. Inparticular, the individual learns to know causes for health problems aswill be shown hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 11 and 15.The individual is learning and gets used to change the lifestylecontinuously.

Individuals become empowered and encouraged throughout the whole SOAPprocess, because knowledge, trial behaviour and skills are built up andintegrated. This is mainly due to the individuals being activelyinvolved in the S, O, A and P phase. A neutral network in theindividual's mind is integrated.

According to the invention during the basic assessment and duringgathering of objective information, a plurality of tests will be made oroptionally made. Such tests typically include genomic and predispositiontests, digestion and metabolism tests, psycho-neuro-immunology tests,hormone related tests and tests in view of incorrect posture andphysical functional tests. In table 1, a typical set of full spectrumtests is summarised: TABLE 1 Category Item A. genomic and predispositiontests 1. Cardiac 1. genomic test for dementia (ApoE) genomic test 2.genomic test for homocysteine metabolism (MTHFR) (5 items) 3. genomictest for cholesterol ester transport protein (CETP) 4. genomic test forfibrinogen (FBG) 5. genomic test for ibrinolysis(PAI1) 2. Bloodpressure 1. genomic test for angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE) genomictest 2. genomic test for angiotensinogen(AGT) (5 items) 3. genomic testfor angiotensin receptor(AGTR1) 4. genomic test for nitrogenmono-oxide(NOS3-snp1) 5. genomic test for nitrogen mono-oxide(NOS3-snp2)3. Detoxification 1. genomic test for phase I detoxification genomictest P450(CYP1A1) (6 items) 2. genomic test for phase I detoxificationP450(CYP1B1) 3. genomic test for phase II detoxification(NQO1) 4.genomic test for phase II detoxification(GST T1) 5. genomic test forphase II detoxification(GST M1) 6. genomic test for methylation(COMT) 4.Antioxidation 1. genomic test for superoxide dismutase 1(MnSOD1) genomictest 2. genomic test for superoxide dismutase 2(MnSOD2) (3 items) 3.genomic test for glutathione peroxidase(GPX) 5. Immu/Bone health 1.genomic test for tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) genomic test 2. genomictest for interleukin-6(IL-6) (3 items) 3. genomic test for vitamine Dreceptor(VDR) 6. Metabolism typing(1 item) 1. metabolism typing test 7.Cold/Hot predisposition 1. questionare for Cold/Hot predisposition (1item) B. digestion and metabolism functional & pathological tests 8.Chewing Chewing test (1 item) 9. Gastric acid Gastric acid test (1 item)10. Biomark of gastric ulcer 1. antibody of Helicobacter-pylori(HP-Ab)(1 item) 11. Chronic food allergy Chronic food allergy IgG test for 93kinds of food (93 items) 12. Leaky gut Leaky gut challenge test (1 item)13. liver function 1. Total Protein(TP) (7 items) 2. Albumine(ALB) 3.Albumine/Globulin ratio(A/G ratio) 4. Direct Bilirubin(D-Bili) 5. TotalBilirubin(T-Bili) 6. Alkaline Phosphatse(ALK-P) 7. GOT 8. GPT 9. γ-GT14. Hepatitis marker 1. B-hepatitis surface antigen(HBsAg) (3 items) 2.B-hepatitis surface antibody(Anti-HBs) 3. C-hepatitis antibody(Anti-HCV)15. Renal function 1. BUN (3 items) 2. Creatinine 3. Uric Acid 16. Urinerouting 1. Gravity (10 items) 2. PH 3. Protein 4. Sugar 5. Bilirubin 6.Urobilinogen 7. Ketone body 8. Nitrite 9. RBC 10. WBC 17.Electrolytes 1. CA (5 items) 2. P 3. Fe 4. K 5. Na 18. Cardiovesculardisease risk 1. Triglyceride factors 2. T-Cholesterol (11 items) 3.HDL-C 4. T-Cholesterol/HDL-C ratio 5. LDH 6. CPK 7. LDL-C 8.Lipoprotein-a 9. Homocysteine 10. hs-CRP 11. Fibrinogen 19. Bloodrouting 1. WBC (14 items) 2. RBC 3. Hb 4. HCT 5. Platelete 6. MCV 7. MCH8. MCHC Differential count: 9. Neutorphile 10. Eosinophile 11. Basophile12. Lymphocyte 13. Granulocyte % 14. Lymphocyte % 20. Atherosclerosis 1.COLIN atherosclerosis ananlysis (1 item) 21. Obesity 1. Body MassIndex(BMI) (2 items) 2. Basal metabolic rate C. Psyco-neuroimmunologyfunctional and pathological tests 22. Stress 1. stress questionaire test(1item) 23. Adrenal stress 1. Cortisol (2 items) 2. DHEA 24. Nervoussystem: Test of autonomic nervous system, test the activity ofsympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system 25. Immunity assessment-1 WBC Leukocyte differial count 2. Lymphocyte (7 items) 3. Neutrophile4. Eosinophile 5. Basophile 6. Total granulocyte 7.Granulocyte/Lymphocyte ratio 26. Immunity assessment- 1. NK cell No. NKcell analysis 2. NK cell % (3 items) 3. NK cell activity 27. Tumormarkers 1. [F] [M] AFP [M] (5 items) 2. [F] [M] CEA [F] (5 items) [F][M] CA19.9 4. [F] CA15.3 5. [F] CA125) 4. [M] PSA 5. [M] EBV-IgA 28.Positron Emission PET/CT Tumor early detection Tomography, PET (1 item)D. Hormone modulation 29. Diabetes 1. AC sugar (4 items) 2. AC insulin3. PC sugar 4. PC insulin 30. Thyroid function 1. T3 (3 items) 2. T4 3.TSH 31. Male hormones 1. Testosterone (5 items) 2. f-Testosterone 3.Dehydrotestosterone(DHT) 4. Estrogen 5. Testosterone/Estrogen ratio 32.Female hormones 1. f-Testosterone (7 items) 2. LH 3. FSH 4. E1 5. E2 6.E3 7. Progesterone 33. Osteoporosis 1. Bone mineral density(BMD) (1item) E. Physical functional test 34. Physical test 1. Cervical range ofmotion test (12 items) 2. Thoracic and scapular range of motion test 3.Thigh muscular endurance test 4. Seating posture test 5. One footstanding test 6. Sitting-up test 7. Double legs raising test 8. Psoastightness test 9. Hip abduction test 10. muscle endurance test 11.Flexibilty test 12. Cardiopulmonary capacity testTotal: 5 Parts 33 categories [M] 222 items [F] 224 items

Analysis and tests which are done by actively involving a individual andtools in view of short or medium long term relief may depend on theindividual. Typical tests and measures to be taken in view of acerebral-cardiovascular disease improvement and prevention program aresummarised in table 2. TABLE 2 MUST OPTION Colin atherosclerosisanalysis Body fat scale Tanita body composition analysis Blood pressuremeter Blood physiological analysis Hawthorn berry supplement Cardiacprofile analysis Mg/Ca supplement Physician consultation High potencyvitamin B supplement Vegetable powder supplement Red yeast supplementCardiac profile tests including: Nato green juice Triglyceride Organicnato powder Total cholesterol Natokinase supplement High densitylipoprotein HDL-C Vitamin E-tocotrienol supplement Low densitylipoprotein LDL-C Karuna C-plex supplement Oxidated-LDL Quercetinsupplement Apo-B Fish oil supplement Lipoprotein(a) Karuna Zinc-plussupplement Cholesterol/HDL-C ratio ACES-antioxidants supplementHomocysteine Digestive enzyme supplement High sensitivity CRP VitaminE-Gemslite supplement Fibrinogen Pure garlic supplement Insulin O3Cleaner Energetic H2O equipment Pulse counter Glucose Meter

Some of these tests are a must for each individual (left column of Table2). Optionally, measurement devices or supplements in view of relief maybe provided to the individual (right column of table 2).

Table 3 shows a summary of exemplary contents of a text book in view ofa cerebral-cardiovascular disease prevention and improvement programaccording to the present invention. TABLE 3 How to study this book Atrue case story of cerebral-cardiovascular disease The real cause ofcerebral-cardiovascular disease Step1: Injury on endothelium of bloodvessel Step2: To form the plaque on endothelium of blood vessel Step3:Blockage on blood vessel Stress and Etiology & progress of heart disease& stroke and the relationship with risk factors Risk assessment for thecardiovascular disease Quick relief for the cerebral-cardiovasculardisease 1. Lowering your blood pressure 2. Removing the plaques fromblood vessel 3. Lowering the C-reactive protein 4. Softening the bloodvessel Why does the cerebral-cardiovascular disease happen? 1. Thepipeline for nutrition and oxygen: Blood vessel 2. The real cause ofarteriosclerosis Stress Etiology & progress & heart disease & stroke andthe relationship with risk factors/lifestyle To learn how to stay awayfrom cerebral-cardiovascular disease 1. Correct diet and nutritionalsupplements for the cerebral-cardiovascular health (1) Diet on lowsodium, high potassium and high Magnesium (2) Dietary fibres (3) Goodfats and oils (4) Avoiding refined carbohydrates (5) Avoiding heavymetal contamination on food (6) High quality nutritional supplements forcerebral-cardiovascular disease 2. Changing the lifestyle for thecerebral-cardiovascular health (1) Refrain from smoking (2) Avoidingcaffeine and alcohol (3) Aerobic exercise 3. Stress management Routinehealth examination for cerebral-cardiovascular system annually SummaryWhat is next Glossary

In a text book, the individual is given information about the program.There are several purposes of the program. Through the application ofknowledge and skill learning taught by the program, the individual can:

become aware of the risk factors that may affect cerebral-cardiovascularsystem

apply a correct diet selection in the daily life

establish a good lifestyle in view of cerebral-cardiovascular health

learn to use nutritional supplements to support thecerebral-cardiovascular function

As a final outcome, through the application of knowledge and skilllearning from the program, every individual shall be capable to promotecerebral-cardiovascular health and keep his/her cardiovascular functionin the best possible condition.

Table 4 shows exemplary contents of a check and practice manual part oftext book (not shown in detail) in context with a program forcerebral-cardiovascular disease prevention and improvement according tothe present invention.

There is provided a sequence in a step by step process. The individualis asked to read texts, practise exercises and write essays inaccordance with the schedule. Whenever the individual completes oneitem, he/she is asked to sign. TABLE 4 Part 1. A true case story ofcerebral-cardiovascular disease 1. Reading: pages 2-4 of the text book2. Essay: To write an essay on practice book page 1: have you everexperienced similar symptoms as the actor in the story? 3. Practice: Tomake a practice on practice book page 2, (To run the Body-mass test inthe lab) 4. Practice: To make a practice on practice book page 3: yourfamily history/status of current health and drug use 5. Practice: Tomake a practice on practice book page 4, To draw a blood sample for thecerebral- cardiovescular test panel in the lab Part 2: The real cause ofcerebral-cardiovascular disease 1. Reading: pages 5-6 of the text book2. Practice: To make a practice on practice book page 5, To evaluateyour circulating function 3. Practice: To make a practice on practicebook pages 6-8: To practice a blood pressure measurement and determinehypertension 4. Practice: To make a practice on practice book page 9: Torun a blood test in the lab evaluating your oxidizing stress 5. Readingthe auxiliary teaching material: How to promote antioxidizing ability 6.Reading: pages 7 of the text book 7. Practice: To make a practice onpractice book page 10: To run Arterial hardness test in the lab 8.Reading: pages 8 of the text book Part 3: To assess your risk ofcerebral-cardiovascular disease 1. Reading: page 9 of the text book 2.Practice: To make a practice on practice book page 11: To put yourcerebral-cardiovascular test panel results on a chart Part 4: Theexcellent tools to improve cerebral-cardiovascular disease 1. Reading:pages 10-11 of the text book 2. Practice: To make a practice on practicebook page 12: To fill the questionnaire and determine yourpredisposition 3. Reading: pages 12-14 of the text book 4. Reading theauxiliary teaching material: To share a successful experience 5.Practice: To make a practice on practice book pages 13-15: To practiceYi-Chin-Gin exercise and observe blood pressure change 6. Reading: pages15-17 of the text book 7. Practice: To make a practice on practice bookpage 16: To fill the solutions into the chart on practice book page 118. Practice: To make a practice on practice book page 17: To evaluatethe risk of cerebral- cardiovascular disease within next 10 years Part5: Why dose the cerebral-cardiovascular disease happen? 1. Reading: page18 of the text book 2. Practice: To make a practice on practice bookpages 18-20 3. Reading: pages 19-20 of the text book 4. Practice: Tomake a practice on practice book page 21 5. Reading: page 21 of the textbook 6. Practice: To make a practice on practice book page 22 7.Reading: page 22 of the text book 8. Practice: To make a practice onpractice book page 23 9. Home work: To do the home work on practice bookpage 24 10. Reading: pages 23-25 of the text book 11. Practice: To makea practice on practice book page 25 12. Reading: pages 26-27 of the textbook 13. Reading the auxiliary teaching material:cerebral-cardiovascular disease at a glance Part 6: To learn how to stayaway from cerebral-cardiovascular disease 1. Reading: page 28 of thetext book 2. Practice: To make a practice on practice book page 26 3.Reading: page 29 of the text book 4. Practice: To make a practice onpractice book page 27 5. Reading the auxiliary teaching material: Tolearn reading the food labels 6. Practice: To make a practice onpractice book page 28 7. Practice: To make a practice on practice bookpage 29 8. Reading: pages 30-31 of the text book 9. Practice: To make apractice on practice book page 30 10. Practice: To make a practice onpractice book page 31 11. Reading: pages 32-33 of the text book 12.Practice: To make a practice on practice book page 32 13. Practice: Tomake a practice on practice book page 33 14. Practice: To make apractice on practice book page 34 15. Reading: pages 34-36 of the textbook 16. Practice: To make a practice on practice book page 35 17.Reading: pages 37-40 of the text book 18. Practice: To make a practiceon practice book page 36 19. Practice: To make a practice on practicebook page 37 20. Practice: To make a practice on practice book page 3821. Reading the auxiliary teaching material: The relationship betweenfats and inflammation 22. Reading: pages 41-42 of the text book 23.Practice: To make a practice on practice book page 39 24. Practice: Tomake a practice on practice book page 40 25. Reading: pages 43-45 of thetext book 26. Practice: To make a practice on practice book page 41 27.Reading: pages 46-47 of the text book 28. Reading the auxiliary teachingmaterial: The method of quitting smoking 29. Reading: pages 48-50 of thetext book 30. Reading the auxiliary teaching material: To enhance yourcerebral-cardiac function/fast walking 31. Practice: To make a practiceon practice book page 42 32. Practice: To make a practice on practicebook page 43 33. Reading: page 51 of the text book 34. Practice: To makea practice on practice book page 44 35. Reading the auxiliary teachingmaterial: Body-mind exercise 36. Practice: To make a practice onpractice book page 45 37. Reading: page 52 of the text book 38. Readingthe auxiliary teaching material: Caution for hypertension 39. Essay: Towrite an essay on practice book page 46 40. Reading: page 53 of the textbook

The contents shown in the text book represent the knowledge theindividual should learn and understand through the SOAP process in theinvention. The contents in the check and practice manual guide theindividual in reading the test book and in getting the information andknowledge. The individual thereby is involved in gathering objectiveinformation (test results) in the O process and record these testresults in the check and practice manual.

Table 4 generally shows a structure of such books, without explainingits contents in detail. Typical contents of the book will now be shownby way of example with references to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 11 and 15. Similarcontents may be prepared for other diseases or health problems.

In the text book, an overview map of the etiology and progress of heartdisease and stroke and the relationship with risk factors (functionaldeficiency) is shown to the individual. FIG. 2 shows such an overviewmap according to the present invention.

In the centre portion of FIG. 2 in rectangles there are shown potentialhealth problems, health risks or actual health problems. The problemsshown in FIG. 2 are directed to heart disease and stroke problems. Fromthe top to the bottom of FIG. 2, health problems are increasing and theindividual's health is gradually degrading.

These specific health problems or potential health risks are surroundedby health indicators which represent personal objective information ofthe individual. In context with the problems relating to heart diseaseand stroke, such indicators may be an high level of Fibrinogen, high APOB, hypertension, high TG, LDL, LPa or a low level of HDL which acts e.g.on accumulation of cholesterol, macrophage and collagen. C-reactiveproteins, free radicals or LPA may also have an effect on injury of thearterial wall or fatty streaks. High insulin or high homocysteine mayhave an influence on thrombosis. During the program according to thepresent invention, the individual starts to understand that these healthindicators are in direct context with the health problems or potentialhealth risks. Furthermore, the individual starts to understand and istaught a sequence of health problems or health risks which may at theend lead to severe health problems such as stroke.

The text book includes another overview map of the stress etiology andprogress of heart disease and stroke and their relationship with riskfactors (functional deficiency) and lifestyle and behaviour. Thisoverview is revealed to the individual again.

FIG. 3 shows such an overview map according to the present invention.The individual is taught how specific behaviour or lifestyle has aneffect on health indicators or a pathology or functional deficiency. Inparticular, the effects of an inadequate diet, smoking, stress or lackof exercise and specific vitamin on the health indicators or on thepathology of functional deficiency is explained to the individual. Basedon the representation of FIG. 3 or based on parts taken out thereof, theindividual starts to understand why lifestyle has to be changed in orderto reduce health risks or health problems. Pathological situations andfunctional deficiencies are shown in the rectangular part in the centreof FIG. 3. Health indicators are surrounding the rectangular boxes andare shown in circles which represent risk factors caused by functionaldeficiency in molecular, cell or tissue level.

Specific behaviour, lifestyle but also external factors which influencethe pathology or functional deficiency are surrounding the healthindicators and are displayed as clouds.

Health indicators are provided by a health status-check-up, inparticular done individually by the individual. Such indicators may be apathological indicator. Typically, such indicators indicate existingdiseases based on symptoms which are visible in the past or at present.Such “lag” indicators indicate an existing disease and may show thatthere is a requirement for immediate relief.

Functional deficiency indicators may be leading indicators, e.g.indicating that certain health problems exist, which have not yet led tosymptoms perceived by the individual or by a clinical protocol. Suchleading indicators e.g. may be an increased blood pressure close to apathological limit but not yet above such limit.

Thirdly, genetic predisposition indicators may be analysed. Typically,genetic information may indicate a higher risk of a certain person tosuffer from diseases some day, although there are no actual symptoms.

Depending on the type of indicator, different treatments of theindividual, e.g. in different facilities as shown in FIG. 9 herein belowmay necessary. FIGS. 2 and 3 show exemplary contents of the book in viewof cardiovascular diseases. Similar figures will be provided in view ofother types of diseases or health problems.

Chronic diseases based on modern lifestyle are increasing nowadays.Typically, many chronic diseases may be based on mental pressure or onstress. Such diseases may be a disorder of the immune system such ascancer, allergies, collagen diseases or ulcer due to mucosal disease.Several cardiovascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis andobstruction, thrombosis, cerebrovascular diseases, arrhythmia orventricular fibrillation may also be due to pressure. Diseases relatingto brain function such as brain cell death leading to memory loss,damaged connection of nerves in the hypocampus leading to memory loss ordisturbed neurotransmitter functions leading to emotional disorder maybe based on stress. Furthermore, stress may influence the metabolicsystem or the digestive system. Typical solutions to stress induceddiseases may be stress management by controlling the pressure source, bydeveloping anti-stress supporting systems or also be learning to reliefthe stress. The autonomic nerve or the impulse parasympathetic nerve maybe adjusted by acupuncture, by bathing, healthier food, massage orguasha. Body-mind balance exercises such as yoga may also help to reliefpressure or stress.

A second source for diseases may be wrong or bad food. Such disease maybe typically diabetes or the x-syndrom or cerebral-cardiovasculardiseases, but also saturated fat or hoard induced obstruction, sclerosisor overweight. Typical solutions may be the selection of integrated foodand supplements which fit a metabolic type of the individual (e.g.determined by item 6 in table 1). Furthermore, elimination and avoidanceof ingestion of heavy metals may be a solution to this type of problems.

A third type of chronic lifestyle illness may be caused by improperposture and lack of exercise. Typical symptoms may be backache, headacheor irritation. Solutions may be reconstruction of the vertebra functionby back intensification exercises, physical fitness exercises,improvement of a living environment and of posture but also relief andrelease of physical pressure (see also FIG. 15.

FIG. 4 shows a map which will be shown and explained to the individualin view of understanding the processes in context with the function androot causes of hypertension.

The left and the right hand side branch of FIG. 4 show pathways leadingto hypertension which are based on influences from the brain to thesympathetic nervous system (left branch) and to the adrenal gland (rightbranch). Where and how medication such as alpha blockers, beta blockersor Ca channel blockers intervene in this pathway is indicated.

Hypertension as a result of these pathways has its roots mainly inpsycho stress, hidden stress or physical stress. Such hypertension israther brain driven. A wrong diet and obesity may furthermore influencethese pathways.

The middle branch of FIG. 4 shows a kidney driven pathway whichinfluences hypertension, e.g. by intake of too high amounts of salt. Thegenetic effect of e.g. AGT, ACE or AGTR1 or Renin on production orconversion of angiotensin I and II and aldosterone is shown. Countermeasures by medication such as ACE inhibitors or AGTII blockers areshown and may be explained to the individual on the basis of this map.

By showing and explaining this map to the individual, the individualunderstands the causes and possible counter measures of hypertension.

Individuals having certain genetic predisposition, e.g. shown by testsaccording to category 2 in Table 1 hereinabove will now understand thatthey may be at a risk to suffer from hypertension.

By way of example item 24 in Table 1 shows whether in the autonomicnervous system, the sympathetic or the parasympathetic nervous system ismore active. Individuals having a more active sympathetic nervous systemrather suffer from brain driven hypertension. The cause for hypertensionof individuals having a more active parasympathetic nervous system israther kidney driven. Depending on the result of item 24, the reason orrisk for the individual to suffer from hypertension based on the braindriven pathways (right and left branch in FIG. 4) or based on the kidneydriven pathway can be explained and appropriate medication (e.g. alphablocker, beta blocker or Ca channel blockers for brain drivenhypertension or ACE inhibitors, AGTII blockers, diretic or beta blockersfor kidney driven hypertension) may be prescribed.

As a long term action in context with the above mentioned program, theindividual with a kidney driven hypertension will be taught how tochange the life style, e.g. by restricting salt intake or by takingappropriate food or nutraceuticals in order to reduce or replace suchmedication in view of avoiding side effects of such medication. Typicalfood supplements may be products such as Foshu anti hypertension foodsold by Ameal S, or Katsuobushi (dried bonito) Oligopeptie sold byNippon Supplement, Inc.

As a long term action, individuals with brain driven hypertension willbe taught to practise mind body balance exercises such as meditation ordeep breathing or improvement of diet and reduction of weight in orderto reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of the general process carried out if anindividual wants to participate in a method for changing lifestyle andimproper health behaviour according to the present invention. Afterreception and an initial visit, an overall assessment is made. This isdone after an overall questionnaire is answered and medical informationare obtained from the individual.

This step is followed by a basic blood and urine test and basicfunctional deficiency test. After this overall assessment it is decidedwhether further examination is necessary. This consultation of anintegral professional team or optionally of a medical doctor orphysician assistant leads to a certain prescription. Depending on theprescription, treatments of the individual may need to be taken (seealso FIG. 9). Individuals with a complex chronic condition should betreated immediately in a facility specialized for this condition. Acomplementary alternative therapy may be integrated with theconventional medicine to start a holistic therapy in view of improvingthe individual's healing power but also to quickly relief anuncomfortable complaint. If no immediate reaction is required, a programis selected for the individual and the individual follows said program.A program may also be prescribed directly to the individual based on thebasic test result and on overall assessment.

FIG. 6 shows in more detail the process shown in FIG. 5. During thereception step the individual and consumers are interviewed by areceptionist. Typically, basic tests are proposed to the individual,registration and payments are made. In these basic tests, theindividual's basic information in view of choosing a program to whichthe individual shall attend is acquired. In particular, health or bodyparameters such as height, weight, body construction, blood pressure aretaken or health care questions are answered. It is also possible toconsult a doctor for a short period of time in view of confirmation of acontent of a selected program or also in view of a prescription by adoctor for short term relief. After registration and payment by theindividual for a specific program or classroom, a schedule is made withthe individual.

During the program, classrooms are held in view of the chosen program.During classroom periods entry tests are done, knowledge is transferredto the individual and the learning and practicing process is verified.Classrooms may be accompanied by consultation of doctors or otherexperts. Classes are made on the basis of teaching means such as books.

At the end of the program, the success of the program is analysed andthe experiences between participants are shared. It is furthermorepossible to follow or coach the individual after the end of the program,e.g. by remote monitoring health parameters or the like.

The program may also be carried out on the basis of teaching means suchas an electronic book as shown by way of example in FIG. 7.

The electronic book comprises a main body 500, 501 is a main LCD displayto display a text, e.g. as described in Table 2 and Table 3. 502 is alsoone part of the LCD display but equipped with a touch screen forentering the data and information. 504 to 509 are keys set for operatingthe electronic book.

510 is a another data port that could be a socket for wire connection ora wireless port like Bluetooth or IRDA to receive the objectiveinformation transmitted from a measuring device 600. In this example,this is a blood pressure monitor.

511 is a socket to plug in a memory card to upload the contents of theprogram to which the individual attends to the electronic book. Thememory card may also be used to receive and store the gatheredinformation of the individual. A personal plug-in memory may be used forseveral purposes. It may be used to upload to the book the contents ofthe program to which the individual attends. The contents of the programmay also be uploaded online through a communication network such as theinternet. The plug-in memory may also be used for storage of data of theindividual, e.g. information gathered during attendance to the program.From time to time the individual may upload data from the card to theindividual database.

This electronic book can be installed in an unmovable manner in a tablein a classroom. It can also be a portable unit purchased or leased andcarried home by the individual in between the courses of the program orafter the end of the program. The electronic book may be connected to acommunication device such as a mobile phone through another data port512 that could be a socket for wire connection or a wireless port likeBluetooth or IRDA. In particular in view of making such a book lessexpensive and less heavy, the use of an external communication devicesuch as mobile phones may be useful.

According to this embodiment, all of the knowledge which the individualhas to learn, including the information mentioned in the above textbook, the guiding instructions including gathering and entering theobjective information, check lists in view of reading, practicing andunderstanding the contents of the book and the information related totrial behaviour and skill development and the check and practice manualcan be integrated in the electronic book. This can be supported also bymultimedia, including text, audio and video. The embodiment will makethis kind of learning and class become a very convenient andknowledgeable tool.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of the electronic book as schematicallyshown in FIG. 7. The electronic book comprises a central processing unitCPU. The book is provided with a plurality of communication interfacessuch as a modem connection, a RS 232, IrDa, USA or LAN interface. A LCDdisplay and touch panel with appropriate controllers is also provided.The book further includes an audio unit with an amplifier and a speaker,memories such as flash memories or RAM controlled by a memorycontroller. It can also be provided with external expanded memory. Amatrix of buttons may be provided for operation of the book.

FIG. 9 shows an overview of a system for delivering health care. Thissystem basically consists of three facilities which are designed fordifferent types of treatment.

For healthy individuals desiring to have disease prevention or healthpromotion and for individuals having a chronic precondition, a schoolfor a healthier life is provided. This school is especially running aprogram as shown or explained in FIG. 1 to 6 and tables 3 to 4 hereinabove. In different classes in this school, an individual is taught howto change his/her lifestyle or behaviour. Typically, the school may havedifferent subjects which are taught.

One classroom is directed to environmental medicine. The individuallearns how the environment may influence health.

Another classroom is directed to genetic aspects. Individuals learn toknow whether they are at a genetic risk to suffer from certain diseasesand how to take counter measures.

A third classroom is directed to food intake and metabolism. Duringcourses, the individual learns to understand the effect of differentnutrition on the body and health and how to correctly purchase, cook andeat food and nutrient supplements in order to meet the individual's needand to provide a positive effect on the health.

A fourth class is directed to biophysical aspects, e.g. to issues inrelation with joints, muscles, bones or the skeleton. In particular, theposture or bearing of a person may be analysed and improved (see alsoFIG. 15). This may relate to posture during sleep, during work and/orduring walking.

In a fifth classroom, the individual learns to understand theinteraction of the mind to the body and how to practice for mind-bodybalance.

In a sixth classroom, the individual is taught and guided in view ofmedication and the effects of medication on the body.

The term class room is used in this context in view of different topicswhich are taught. Of course different class rooms requiring similarequipment may be located at the same physical location or in the samephysical room.

In context with a school for a healthier life, this system may alsoprovide actions or tools in view of improving the patient's or in theindividual's health. This may be in particular done through associationwith external partners such as healthy food stores, fitness clubs,wellness resorts, sports centres but also tools for improving theenvironmental situation such as water cleaners and the like. The schoolfor healthy life may be in interaction with laboratories allowing tomake low cost tests and also with a healing clinic in case improvementof a chronic pathological situation will be necessary.

A second facility according to the present invention is a healing clinicin view of improving chronic problems. This healing clinic typicallyoffers a holistic and optimal treatment which may include energytherapies, mental healing, biology based therapies, manipulative, bodybased therapies or other complementary and alternative therapiesintegrated with conventional medicine to provide the patient with anoptimal solution based on the clinical condition of the patient. Such ahealing clinic is especially used for individuals with a chronicprecondition or with less severe health problems.

In the healing clinic, the inner healing power of the individual isimproved and restored.

A third facility of the system according to the invention is a centre ofexcellence for specific complex chronic diseases for individuals with acomplex chronic condition. Such hospitals are especially necessary inview of immediate relief from severe health problems. As soon as acuteconditions caused by a complex chronic condition are treated and thehealth status improves, the individual may be referred to the healingclinic. This may also be accompanied by a remote health monitoringservice after the hospital discharge.

FIG. 10 shows different health status. Depending on the status,individuals are classified into different categories and are treated inone of the facilities shown in FIG. 9. Healthy persons will attendclassrooms in a school for healthy life. They start to know their bodyand to have a proper life style.

Persons with a “sub-healthy” status may join the school for healthy lifeor also a healing clinic in view of eliminating latent disease factorsor reversing the disease state. An acute problem caused by a complexchronic condition is treated by medicine or surgery in a centre ofexcellence to control or restore the damage or the function of theorganism followed by a holistic treatment in the healing clinic toimprove the inner healing power. The long term health can be maintainedand promoted by a daily life strategy such as nutrition, proper diet,exercise or change of improper lifestyle and management of stress.

Seriously ill individuals are treated by medicine or surgery.

Depending on the status of the individual, the specific facility ishelping to progress the health.

The system shown in FIG. 9 may further be based on the finding thatdiseases can be categorised according to a process by which theyprimarily may be caused. In particular, they may be caused by aninadequate lifestyle or behaviour which interacts with the environmentand eventually disturbs, effects and degrades the functions of thecells, tissues or organ which belong to this physiological process. Ithas been found that if the human organism is considered to have anutrition/food intake and metabolism process, a Psycho-Neuro-Immunoprocess and a biophysical or muscle skeleton process as shown in FIG.11, the root cause of a large number of known diseases can be easilyfound and appropriately treated.

By way of example, FIG. 11 shows in the left hand side a food intake andmetabolism process. In the middle branch there is shown a neuro-immunoor mind-body process. In the right branch a biophysical orbone-muscle-skeleton process is shown. FIG. 11 typically may be part ofthe book as mentioned above for explaining the individual the functionand effects of these different processes.

These three processes and some of the major chronic diseases relating tothese processes are shown in table 5. TABLE 5 Disease categories formajor chronic lifestyle disease Major chronic disease related to foodCardiovascular diseases, centric metabolic process Diabetes, ObesityChronic disease related to MIND-Body- Mood disease, IMMU (PNI) processDepression Alzheimer's Disease Cancer Auto-immune disease Allergies,Asthma Chronic disease related to physical Body Fitness Basic processMuscle tone Joint flexibility Bone broken

Typically, chronic diseases related to the food centric metabolicprocess may be cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or obesity.

Chronic diseases related to the mind-body or the so-calledPsycho-Neuro-Immuno process may be immune diseases, alzheimer, cancer,auto-immune diseases, allergies or asthma.

Chronic diseases related to the biophysical process may be broken bones,reduced joint flexibility, muscle tone or poor fitness.

Depending on these processes, specified facilities for treating andeducating the individual are provided and a more integrated professionalteam by be formed and trained to provide a more continuous and effectivehealth care service.

While these processes are considered to be primarily continuous,independent processes, of course there may be interaction between theseprocesses. The crossing lines at the background of FIG. 11 indicate thatorgans and cells are mutually interconnected.

FIG. 11 thus shows a new approach to view and understand the humanorganism from the point of view of an ordinary individual. Instead ofviewing the human organism as a plurality of systems defined byfunctionalism, e.g. the circulation system, respiration system as it isdone in standard medicine, this new approach provides an overall picturefor the human organism with a simpler and easier explanation tounderstand the operation of the organism based on physiologicalprocesses. Health issues caused by the determining factors for healthwhich interact with these processes can be basically controlled andaddressed by empowering and educating the consumer to change thelifestyle and build up correct knowledge and healthy behaviour. Thisapproach is further based on the finding that a whole process will begenerally inefficient if there are problems at one point which belongsto that process. The map in FIG. 11 also helps to explain to theindividual that the processes are in interaction and are influenced bygenes, life style and living environment.

FIG. 12 schematically shows a reward program for providing an incentiveto the individual. By signing up a written agreement containing a duedate and a quantitative goal, an individual may join a reward program,e.g. right after or during he or she attends the learning program. Thedue date typically could be after six months or a year. A quantitativegoal could be a lower pulse rate per minute, a certain body fat, weight,or total cholesterol. When the individual achieves the goal before or atthe due date, he or she may redeem the reward. Un-redeemed rewards couldbe accumulated to a next period of agreement. For those who choose notto redeem the reward in case of an achieved goal after each agreementperiod, a reward can be accumulated to renew the agreement and to repeatthe reward program for a certain period.

FIG. 13 shows an IT platform used in context with a system or methodaccording to the invention. An organisation or individual 1 operating asystem according to the invention uses a web server to operate a website. Programmable code of the web site is stored on said webapplication server. The platform includes program database 2 whichcontains learning programs and trial behaviour items used in a teachingand learning program as explained hereinabove.

A professional coach 3 uses a web server to operate another web site,for him to manage and guide an individual database 8. Once a new programfor an individual is defined and created, the system will request dataof a program 4 from the Program database 2. A result 5 will be fed backto the web related to the individual database.

The individual uses an electronic book 9 to enrol into or order aprogram. The status of the individual will first be checked by acertification server 7, then be passed to the individual database 8.Data for starting a program will be downloaded to the E-book first. Thena request for downloading an individual teaching and guiding programwill be made. The individual database 8 includes data such as the SOAPnotes of the individual (gathered objective information), personalprofiles relating to lifestyle or health parameters (so called lifewaredata), personal behaviour records or data relating to the program.

While attending a program, further devices such as a mobile phone 10with a camera may be used e.g. to capture photos or videos of a specialposture or image. Such image or video may be transmitted to the E-Book.The phone or camera may be used for many different purposes. Theindividual may e.g. use the phone to look up information when purchasingfood in a supermarket in order to check whether a specific food issuitable in context with the lifestyle change program.

It is also possible for the individual to record certain situations,e.g. posture or specific food but also situations in context withemotional stress in view of a later discussion with his or her coach orteacher. This system can be extended to a personal life assistant systemwhich assists the individual not only in view of health issues but e.g.also in view of social or family issues. By recording situations, e.g.discussions or interaction between a couple or between colleagues atwork, the individual may show real life situations to his or her coachwhich then can develop counter measures together with the individual.

The personal life assistant 9 is a personal central device allowing theindividual to store information, gather new information, learn andcommunicate. It typically includes a specifically designed operationsystem onto which appropriate application can be run.

Other objective information 11 of an individual may be collected byanother equipment such as measuring devices. These data can be inputinto the E-Book.

When attending for the first time a program according to the invention,the individual may learn with paper textbooks. When he or she isfamiliar with the learning model, he or she may switch to learn with theElectronic Book for a next program. The E-Book may be rented or sharedbetween users.

After frequent programs, the Individual may also buy such electronicbook by his own.

FIG. 14 shows a remote monitoring or follow up system. Customer servicerepresentatives 16 work with a call center system to create individualaccounts for individuals who joined a follow-up program. Therepresentatives 16 are qualified with nursing background and trained topersonalize items for the individual who subscribed the program. Everyday the representative 16 remotely monitors the follow-up records of alarge number of individuals' daily health status or medicationcompliance. The representative 16 delivers appropriate responses oractions to the individual, e.g. by direct phone calls, informing medicalprofessionals. Responses and actions are kept as part of the follow-uprecords.

The follow-up program database for Remote Monitoring 12 is an extensionof the Program database 2 and individual database 8. The Remotemonitoring system further may be a mass storage system of all thefollow-up records. The Program database 2 replicates its data portionfor follow-up purposes, whereas the individual database 8 replicates itsdata to the follow-up program database 12.

An individual 13 who joins a follow-up program may use a webbrowser todeal with daily monitored follow-up items. Such an item typically may bethe measurement of a medical parameter or compliance with a medicationschedule. There is a personal web page for the individual 13 having asecure login with a user ID and password to protect health privacy.

The individual 13 may choose to use a simple home terminal 14 instead orin addition. This Terminal 14 has a LCD panel to display questions intext mode. Answers may be provided by pressing one of the few buttons,like “1”, “2”, “3”, “4” or “Yes”/“No”. When the individual is asked fornumerical questions such as “what is your systolic blood pressure now”,130 is displayed on the panel by default. E.g. by pressing the “>” keythe value is increased by “1”, by pressing the “>>” key the value isquickly increased by “5”.

The terminal 14 may also comprise a vocal mode where questions are givenin spoken language. Answers may be given by pressing a specific button,e.g. representing “yes” or “no”. This is especially convenient for blindor elderly individuals.

A similar operation sequence can also be carried out on a Java or 3Gmobile cellular phone 15. Before use, a follow-up program has to bedownloaded into the terminal or the mobile phone. Individual's answersare uploaded automatically to the database. A PC, the terminal or themobile phone further may be equipped with a receiving port to transmitdata from home monitors such as blood pressure meters.

FIG. 15 shows by way of example a guiding tool for teaching theindividual in view of a correct posture in context with the body basicprocess. Correct and incorrect posture is shown by way of pictures, e.g.printed in a text book, displayed in an electronic book or shown in aclass room. The pictures may also be animated in case of an electronicbook.

As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present inventioncan be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the specificembodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.

1. A method of teaching and guiding an individual in changing the lifestyle and building up a healthy or healthier behaviour, the method comprising the steps of making a basic assessment of said individual and defining specific health problems or potential health risks, in answer to said basic assessment defining at least one program to which said individual should attend wherein said at least one program includes teaching and guiding and actively involving the individual in individually gathering personal objective information represented by at least one health indicator relating to said health problem or potential health risk teaching said individual in accordance with a specific learning program in view of understanding a relationship between said objective information and a phenomenon or a symptom caused by pathology or a functional deficiency related to said health problem or said health risk teaching and guiding said individual to understand the effect of a specific behaviour or lifestyle on said pathology or functional deficiency of the said health problem or health risk guiding and teaching said individual to identify actions to be taken for changing the lifestyle and building up a healthy or healthier behaviour in view of reducing said health problems or reducing said health risks
 2. A method according to claim 1, comprising the step of teaching said individual in accordance with said specific learning program in view of understanding a short to medium term action to be taken to relieve a symptom caused by said pathology or functional deficiency of said health problem or health risk.
 3. A method according to claim 1, comprising the step of guiding and teaching said individual to identify actions to be taken in view of a long term plan for reducing said health problems or reducing said health risks.
 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said indicator is an indicator selected form the group of a lag pathology indicator, a leading functional deficiency indicator and a predisposition indicator.
 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step of teaching and guiding includes teaching said individual in accordance with a specific learning program in view of understanding that a determining factor of health is at least one physiological process selected from the group of a food intake and metabolism process, a Psycho-Neuro-Immuno Process and a physical Muscle-Skeleton process interacting with the living environment, genetic predisposition and behaviour of the said individual.
 6. A method according to claim 1, comprising the further step of making a choice of a treatment in a facility selected from a facility specialised in treatment of a specific class of complex health problems, a facility for improving the individual's health, in particular by means of a holistic treatment, and a facility for guiding and teaching the individual to change the lifestyle and build up a healthy or healthier behaviour, said choice being made depending on the result of said assessment.
 7. A method according to claim 1, wherein in said assessment, the individual is classified into a category selected from the categories of (1) a healthy condition, (2) a chronic precondition or a predisposition for developing a health problem or health risk and (3) a complex chronic condition.
 8. A method according to claim 1, comprising the further step of remote monitoring or following up at least one health parameter of said individual or compliance of said individual with a specified schedule.
 9. A method according to claim 1, wherein said program includes teaching said individual in at least one subject selected from the group of environmental influence on the health, genetic predisposition for a health risk, food intake and metabolism, physical and body knowledge, mind-body interaction and medication knowledge.
 10. A method according to claim 1, wherein said program is selected from the group of prevention and improvement programs in view of a chronic lifestyle condition.
 11. A method according to claim 10, wherein said program is directed to a health problem related to the physiological process of food intake and metabolism, in particular to at least one of cerebral cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, overweight and obesity, maldigestion, malabsorption and deficiency of liver detoxification.
 12. A method according to claim 10, wherein said program is directed to a health problem related to the physiological process of Psycho-Neuro-Immuno system and/or hormone, in particular to Depression, Alzheimer, allergies, Asthma, Autoimmune diseases, cancer and hormone imbalance.
 13. A method according to claim 10, wherein said program is directed to a health problem related to the physiological process of physical and bone structure, in particular to scoliosis, chronic back pain, poor fitness, poor muscle tone, or poor joint flexibility.
 14. A method according to claim 9, wherein said group of programs further includes self care program in view of chronic fatigue, stress, Anemia, Menstrual cramp, cold, Headache, Insomnia, Abdominal, Discomfort, Adrenal fatigue, Bone loss, Menopause.
 15. A method according to claim 1, wherein said program is designed primarily in view of understanding a process selected from the group of flow of nutrient, neurosignal, hormone and mechanical force in said physiological process in view of providing the individual with a systematic and comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the function of the human organism.
 16. A method according to claim 15, wherein said program is further designed in view of increasing the individual's awareness of a relationship between a symptom present in daily life and lifestyle in view of increasing the individual's capability for self-care disease prevention or health management.
 17. A method according to claim 1, comprising the further step of prescribing short term measures to the individual in view of immediate relief, depending on the result of said basic assessment.
 18. A method according to claim 1, the method comprising the further step of providing the individual with at least one book directed to said program, said book including information in view of said health problem or health risk and being designed to be completed with personal data individually by the individual.
 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein said personal data include said personal objective information.
 20. A method according to claim 18, said book including information in view of trial behaviour and skill development for changing an improper lifestyle and behaviour.
 21. A method according to claim 18, said book including information and procedure in view of assuring that the knowledge and information of the said book are read and understood by the individual.
 22. A method according to claim 1, comprising the further step of providing an electronic interactive book, said book including information relating to said program and being designed for interaction with said individual allowing entry of personal data into a memory of said book.
 23. A method according to claim 22, wherein said personal data include said personal objective information.
 24. A method according to claim 23, comprising the further step of providing in said electronic book information related to said health problem or health risk and information related to a trial behaviour and a skill development and providing a procedure for assuring that said information are read and understood by the individual.
 25. A method according to claim 1, comprising the further step of providing an information technology platform for administration of an organisation carrying out said method.
 26. A method according to claim 1, comprising the further step of providing a learning platform for teaching care persons to carry out said method.
 27. A method according to claim 1, the method comprising the further step of defining and operating a reward program for said individual and providing said individual with a reward if a predetermined goal has been achieved by said individual.
 28. A method according to claim 27, wherein said reward is selected from the group of paying an attending fee for the program from a tax free Health Saving Account, shares or stock options of an organization carrying out said method.
 29. A method according to claim 1, wherein said objective information is information selected from the group of pathological information, functional information and information relating to genetic predispositions.
 30. A system for teaching and guiding an individual to change the lifestyle and to build up a healthy or healthier behaviour, the system comprising at least one program to which said individual should attend, wherein said at least one program includes means for teaching, guiding and actively involving the individual in individually gathering objective information represented by at least one health indicator relating to said health problem or potential health risk, means for teaching said individual in accordance with a specific learning program in view of understanding a relationship between symptoms caused by pathology or functional deficiency in context with said health problem or potential health risk and said objective information means for teaching and guiding said individual to understand the effect of specific behaviour and lifestyle on said pathology or functional deficiency in context with said health problem and health risk and means for guiding and teaching said individual to identify actions to be taken for changing the behaviour in view of reducing said health problems or reducing said health risks.
 31. A system according to claim 30, further comprising means for teaching said individual in accordance with a specific learning program in view of understanding short to medium term actions to be taken to relieve a symptom caused by said pathology or functional deficiency of said health problem or health risk.
 32. A system according to claim 30, wherein said system includes a at least one specific learning program in view of understanding that a determining factor of health is at least one physiological process selected from the group of the food intake and metabolism process, a Psycho-Neuro-Immuno Process and a physical Muscle-Skeleton process which interact with living environment, genetic predisposition and behaviour of said individual.
 33. A system according to claim 30, comprising at least one of a facility specialised in treatment of a specific class of complex chronic conditions, a facility for improving the individual's inner healing power by means of a holistic treatment and a facility for teaching the individual to change the lifestyle and build up a healthy or healthier behaviour.
 34. A system according to claim 30, comprising means for remote monitoring or following up at least one health parameter of said individual or compliance of said individual with a specified schedule.
 35. A system according to claim 30, wherein said facility for teaching the individual is designed for teaching at least one subject selected from the environmental influence on health, genetic predisposition for a health risk, food intake and metabolism, physical and body knowledge, mind-body interaction and medication knowledge.
 36. A system according to claim 30 wherein said means for teaching and guiding are selected from the group of written books or electronic books.
 37. A system according to claim 36, the system comprising at least one book directed to said program, said book including information and being designed to be completed with personal data, in particular data relating to the personal objective information, individually by the individual.
 38. A system according to claim 30, the system comprising at least one book directed to said program, said book including information in view of trial behaviour and skill development for changing an improper lifestyle and behaviour.
 39. A system according to claim 37, said book including information and procedures in view of assuring that the knowledge and information of the said book are read and understood by the individual.
 40. A system according to claim 30, comprising an information technology platform for administration of an organisation carrying out said method.
 41. A system according to claim 30, comprising a learning platform for teaching care persons to use said system.
 42. A system according to claim 30, comprising at least one electronic interactive book, said book including information relating to said program and being designed for interaction with said individual, allowing entry of personal data into a memory of said book.
 43. A system according to claim 42, wherein said data include said personal objective information.
 44. A system according to claim 30, the system comprising means for operating a reward program for said individual and for providing said individual with a reward if a predetermined goal has been achieved by said individual.
 45. A method for treatment of an individual, said treatment including at least one of a prevention against a health risk, improving the health and treating a pathological situation of said individual, the method comprising the steps of Making an assessment of the individual in view of defining a least one health problem or health risk Classifying said health problem or health risk in a class of problems primarily related to at least a physiological process, the process being selected from the group of a food intake and metabolism process, a Pyscho-Neuro-Immuno process and a Biophysical process Treating said individual in a facility specialized for treatment of health problems or health risks of said class.
 46. A method according to claim 45, wherein in said assessment, the individual is classified into a category selected from (1) a healthy status, (2) a chronic precondition or a predisposition for developing a health problem or a health risk or (3) a complex chronic condition.
 47. A method according to claim 45, wherein improving said health is made through improvement of an inner healing power and wherein treating said pathological situation is made through a medical procedure or through medication.
 48. A system for treatment of an individual, said treatment including at least one of a prevention against a health risk, improving the health and treating a pathological situation of said individual, the system comprising at least one facility specialised for treatment of health problems or health risk of a class of problems related to a specific physiological process, the process being selected from the group of a food intake and metabolism process, a Pyscho-Neuro-Immuno process and a Biophysical process.
 49. A method for treating an individual, said method comprising the steps of making an assessment of the individual in view of defining a least one health problem or health risk depending on the result of said assessment, choosing a treatment in one of a facility specialised in treatment of a specific class of health problems, a facility for improving the individuals health, in particular by means of a holistic treatment and a facility for teaching and guiding the individual to change the lifestyle and build up a healthy or healthier behaviour.
 50. A method according to claim 49, comprising the step of teaching and guiding and actively involving the individual in individually gathering personal objective information represented by at least one health indicator relating to the said health problem or potential health risk in understanding a relationship between said objective information and a phenomenon or symptom caused by pathology or functional deficiency of the health problem and health risk in understanding the effect of specific behaviour and lifestyle on said pathology or functional deficiency related to said health problem or health risk in identifying actions to be taken for changing the lifestyle and building up a healthy or healthier behaviour in view of reducing said health problems or reducing said health risks.
 51. A method according to claim 50, comprising the further step of teaching said individual in understanding short to medium term action to be taken for relief of the symptom caused by said pathology or functional deficiency of said health problem or health risk.
 52. A method according to claim 50, wherein said indicator is an indicator selected form the group of a illness indicator, a functional deficiency indicator, a predisposition indicator
 53. A method according to claim 50, wherein said step of teaching includes teaching said individual in accordance with a specific learning program in view of understanding that a determining factor of health is related to at least one physiological process selected from the group of the food intake and metabolism process, a Psycho-Neuro-Immuno Process and a physical Muscle-Skeleton process.
 54. A method according to claim 49, wherein in said assessment, the individual is classified into a category selected from (1) a healthy status, (2) a chronic precondition or a predisposition for developing a health problem or a health risk or (3) a complex chronic condition.
 55. A method according to claim 50, comprising the further step of remote monitoring or following up at least one health parameter of said individual or compliance of said individual with a specified schedule.
 56. A method according to claim 49, wherein said holistic treatment for treating said individual in at least one therapy is selected from the group of complementary and alternative therapies including energy therapy, mental therapy, biologically based therapy, manipulative and body based therapy, acupuncture, and homeopathy.
 57. A method according to claim 56, wherein said holistic treatment further is including with therapy of western conventional medicine.
 58. A method according to claim 49, wherein said teaching and guiding includes teaching said individual in at least one subject selected from the group of environmental influence on the health, genetic predisposition for a health risk, food intake and metabolism, physical and body knowledge, mind-body interaction and medication knowledge.
 59. A method according to claim 49, comprising the further step of prescribing short to medium term measures to the individual in view of immediate relief depending on the result of said assessment.
 60. A method according to claim 49, the method comprising the further step of providing the individual with at least one book directed to said health problem or health risk, said book including information relating to said health problem or health risk and being designed to be completed with personal data individually by the individual.
 61. A method according to claim 60, said book including information in view of trial behaviour and skill development for changing an improper lifestyle and living behaviour.
 62. A method according to claim 60, said book including information and procedure in view of assuring that the knowledge and information of said book are read and understood by the individual
 63. A method according to claim 49, comprising the further step of providing an information technology platform for administration of an organisation carrying out said method.
 64. A method according to claim 49, comprising the further step of providing a learning platform for teaching a teacher or doctor to carry out said method.
 65. A method according to claim 49, comprising the further step of providing an electronic interactive book, said book including information relating to said health problem or health risk and being designed for interaction with said individual allowing entry of personal data into a memory of said book.
 66. A method according to claim 65, wherein said data include said personal objective information.
 67. A method according to claim 65, wherein said book includes information related to said health problem or health risk and information in view of trial behaviour and skill development and a means for assuring that the said information are read and understood by the individual.
 68. A method according to claim 49, the method comprising the further step of defining and operating a reward program for said individual and providing said individual with a reward if a predetermined goal has been achieved by said individual.
 69. A method according to claim 68, wherein said reward is selected from the group of shares or stock options of an organization carrying out said method.
 70. A method according to claim 50, wherein said objective information is information selected from the group of pathological information, functional information and information relating to genetic predispositions.
 71. A system for treating an individual, said system comprising a facility specialised in treatment of a specific class of health problems a facility for improving the individual's inner healing power, in particular by means of a holistic treatment and a facility for teaching the individual to change the lifestyle or build up a healthy or healthier behaviour.
 72. A system according to claim 71, wherein said facility for teaching the individual to change the lifestyle and build up a healthy or healthier behaviour comprises means for teaching and guiding and actively involving the individual in individually gathering objective information, represented by at least one health indicator relating to said health problem and potential health risk, means for teaching said individual in accordance with a specific learning program in view of understanding a relationship between said health indicator and said health problem or health risk means for teaching and guiding said individual to understand the effect of specific behaviour and lifestyle on said pathology or functional deficiency of the said health problem and health risk and means for guiding and teaching said individual to individually identify actions to be taken for changing the behaviour in view of reducing said health problems or reducing said health risks.
 73. A system according to claim 71, wherein said facility for teaching the individual to change the lifestyle and build up a healthy or healthier behaviour includes at least one specific learning program in view of understanding that the determining factor of health is related to at least one physiological process selected from the group of the food intake and metabolism process, a Psycho-Neuro-Immuno Process and a physical Muscle-Skeleton process interacting with the living environment or genetic predisposition.
 74. A system according to claim 71, wherein said facility for treating the health problem and teaching the individual to change the lifestyle and build up a healthy or healthier behaviour comprises means for remote monitoring or following up at least one health parameter of said individual or compliance of said individual with a specified schedule.
 75. A system according to claim 72 wherein said means for teaching and guiding are selected from the group of written books and electronic books.
 76. A system according to claim 75, wherein said means for teaching and guiding are provided with wire or wireless linking to at least one medical parameter measuring device.
 77. A system according to claim 75, said book including information and being designed to be completed with personal data individually by the individual.
 78. A system according to claim 75, book including information in view of trial behaviour and skill development for changing an improper lifestyle or behaviour.
 79. A system according to claim 75, said book including information and procedures in view of assuring that the knowledge and information of the said book are read and understood by the individual.
 80. A system according to claim 71, comprising an information technology platform for administration of an organisation operating said system.
 81. A system according to claim 71, comprising a learning platform for teaching care persons, teachers and doctors, to use said system.
 82. A system according to claim 71, comprising at least one electronic interactive book, said book including information relating to said program and being designed for interaction with said individual allowing entry of personal data into a memory of said book.
 83. A system according to claim 82, wherein said data include said personal objective information.
 84. A system according to claim 82, wherein said book includes information related to said health problem or health risk and information in view of trial behaviour and skill development and a procedure for assuring that the said information are read and understood by the individual.
 85. A system according to claim 71, the system comprising means for operating a reward program for said individual and for providing said individual with a reward if a predetermined goal has been achieved by said individual.
 86. A system according to claim 30, the system further comprising at least one device for recording and storing data, in particular multimedia data such as text, audio and video, wherein said device is adapted for connection with a personal electronic device, in particular an electronic book for teaching, guiding and learning, to be used by said individual.
 87. A system according to claim 86, wherein said device is selected form the group of a mobile phone, a camera, a personal digital assistant, a terminal and a medical measuring device. 